Slik Carbon Fiber Tripod, Leg Set Only Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After reading user reviews for many years and following the
recommendations of many, I thought maybe it was time I
contributed and repay the kindness of others.I thought this
tripod would be a good start since I couldn't find any on-line
user reviews for this particular product.Also, I understand
I will be incurring the wrath of many since Slik doesn't seem to
be in favor among either the pros or the enthusiasts.

After agonizing over what tripod and ball head I'd purchase
for about two weeks, I finally broke down and ordered the
Slik PRO713-CFII. It appeared to have everything I wanted, it's tall,
super light weight carbon fiber,a maximum load weight of 12
Lbs, and very low cost.I also purchased a Bogen-Manfrotto
486RC2 Compact Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect to
complete the outfit.Delivery was prompt and my good
arrived unscathed.

Sturdiness was my major concern, could it handle my
heaviest camera lens combination, a Nikon D80 (1.4 lbs.) with
my beloved SIGMA APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG HSM (4.1
Lbs.), total weight approximately 5.5 lbs.? I wanted to hold
the tripod assembly weight down because the Sigma weighs
so darned much.It may not look like much on paper but
imagine the weight after a full day of walking and shooting
pics. Not to mention, I'm no spring chicken.

Let me start by saying I was very pleasantly surprised.
Tripod setup was quick and smooth.The weight (or lack
there of) was everything I had hoped for.I inspected the
carbon fiber legs and they were smooth and the surfaces
flawless. The Bogen-Manfrotto 486RC2 also exceeded my
expectations.I read some reviews that the ball would slip
under even lighter loads but it was solid as a rock with my
outfit. The ball movement is exceptionally smooth and the
tightening lever very simple and easy to use.It takes very
little pressure to lock the head in place. The head assembly
seems to weigh more than the specified 1 lb.However, that's
just a guestimate on my part.Overall I am thrilled at the
stability of the set. I see no noticeable droop after locking the
lens in place or extending the zoom. I would highly
recommend this for the serious weekend photographer.I can
see this setup lasting for years.I don't think I'd want to walk
around with the camera mounted on the tripod.Personally, it
would scare me regardless of the setup but if you're Art
Wolfe, you can afford the best, go right ahead. What the
heck, you get a nice tax write off on your equipment
anyway.

One mistake I made that is not the fault of either
manufacturer (as they both plainly state the specifications)
was the thread on the tripod is 1/4 and the thread on the
head is 3/8 in. DOH, I knew better. Hence, a trip to the
camera store for an adapter bushing that costs about $2.00.
No problem but I believe I will pick up some thread tight to
insure it stays secure.I only worry that the bushing becomes
the weak link in my setup, causing wobble.I wish I had
matched my head choice with the Slik.I sincerely doubt it ll
be a problem.

I almost didn't buy this product because I couldn't find a
single review on line, good or bad. I visited my local camera
shop in Raleigh, NC in hopes of trying this tripod but the
salesman wouldn't even let me look at it. Instead he wasted a
half hour showing me a Gitzo that weighed much more and
cost three times as much.He was also quite negative about
the quality of Slik products.Insisting I'd need an outfit that
rated for at least 35 lbs.Why would a tripod or ball head
rated at 12 lbs. not be able to handle 6 lbs. of equipment?
Needless to say, my confusion was boundless.Hopefully I've
removed a little of the stress from your next purchase.

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Slik PRO713-CFII Carbon Fiber Tripod, Leg Set Only

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